A charming, Mid-American community, Chalco is situated along Lewis and Clark's historic expedition path. The Sarpy County Historical Museum features exhibits detailing people, events and places of past significance, and can be a great place to get a sense of the region's local history.

The quiet suburb of Chalco is located in Sarpy County, Nebraska -- home of Bellevue University and the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. The area is rich in history and folklore, known as an early exploration stomping ground of Lewis and Clark, as well as the place where the early roots of Nebraska settlement and expansion took hold. For this reason, many local residents refer to the area as the "birthplace of Nebraska."

Though nearby Omaha steals much of the limelight as the largest city in Nebraska, Chalco's merits are its affordable living, small community charm and easy accessibility to the big city if one desires a quick escape from suburbia. Chalco and the greater Sarpy County are bordered by the Omaha to the north, the Platte River on the south and west, and the Missouri River traversing the eastern portion of the region.

The community of Chalco consists primarily of single-family homes, manicured lawns and cul-de-sacs. The spring months are good times to plan a move to the area, as winters can get quite frigid and see a reasonable amount of snowfall -- which can be a hindrance to moving or house hunting. Humidity and thunderstorms can be expected in the hot summer months, so once again -- March through May is ideal for relocation activities.

Owner-occupied residential properties are the norm in Chalco, with some apartments for rent in the area. Houses for rent in Chalco tend to be few and far between. For this reason, you should start your rental search far in advance of your desired move date.

Chalco is a small suburb with no discernible neighborhoods. Interstate 80 forms the eastern boundary of the city, with Harrison Street forming its border to the north. To the east, the expansive Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake form a natural border with Chalco. Rental housing options within the triangular-shaped boundaries of Chalco are predominantly single-family homes at the northern end of the community but Chalco does have a few rental complexes in the area

Top Apartment Complexes in Chalco

Meadow Park Apartments: If you want to reside in a beautiful setting -- and who doesn't? -- Meadow Park Apartments is the ideal option in the area. One and two-bedroom floor plans are available, with amenities such as garages and a washer/dryer standard with each unit. Being in such close proximity to Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake means that the great outdoors are virtually at your doorstep when you live at Meadow Park Apartments.

Rock Creek Apartments: On the northern end of Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake are the Rock Creek Apartments -- an apartment community of one and two-bedroom apartments for rent, situated in a quaint, park-like atmosphere. Gas fireplaces and upscale kitchens are standard amenities of their spacious units.

Willow Creek Apartments: On the northeast end of Chalco is the Willow Creek apartment community. Featuring contemporary and spacious one and two-bedroom apartments, Willow Creek apartments boast amenities such as large walk-in closets, pass-through breakfast bars, kitchens with dishwashers and wood-burning fireplaces. Public transportation is close by, providing quick access to downtown Omaha, as well as plentiful shopping and dining activities nearby.

Harrison Hills by Broadmoor: Just east of Chalco in neighboring La Vista is the apartment community of Harrison Hills by Broadmoor -- one of the most well maintained apartment complexes in Omaha. Studio, one and two-bedroom apartments are available, featuring premium amenities such as arched doorways, nine-foot ceilings, oval soaking tubs, and designer cabinets, to name a few. The community is resort-like, offering activities such as swimming, billiards, bowling, as well as facilities such as a movie theater and fitness center. So basically, it's worth at least a visit for a tour!

Though Chalco is only a stone's throw from the metropolitan city center of Omaha, life here can feel like an escape into the great outdoors. With rivers, the great outdoors and a plethora of historical places of interest nearby, there's never a shortage of things to do in Chalco and Sarpy County.

Within the borders of Chalco are the Chalco Hills Recreation Area and Wehrspann Lake -- popular outdoor facilities used by local residents for boating, hiking, fishing and picnicking. Soccer fields, baseball fields and playgrounds also provide an abundance of outdoor activities for residents of all ages. Plus, in the winter, cross-country skiing and ice fishing on Wehrspann Lake are popular things to do.

Beyond Chalco, the nearby areas in Sarpy County provide a plethora of things to do and see. The Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and Schramm State Recreation Area situated along the Platte River provide plentiful hiking paths as well as a captivating aquarium offering an unprecedented view on underwater wildlife. In Bellevue, the Bellevue Little Theatre offers live performances for audiences of all ages. Also in Bellevue is the 400-acre Gifford Farm. Featuring a farm animal petting area, planetarium, and indoor classroom and educational center, the Gifford Farm is also a great destination for all ages. Breweries such as the Lucky Bucket Brewing Company (La Vista) and the Nebraska Brewing Company (Papillion) offer premium, handcrafted ales and lagers, as well as fine dining to match.

A bounty of museums and historical attractions can be found all around Sarpy County, as the area is rich in local history. One can visit Fontenelle Bank in Bellevue to view its unique collection of early memorabilia and artifacts, or visit the Historic Log Cabin -- also in Bellevue. The Sarpy County Historical Museum features exhibits detailing people, events and places of past significance, and can be a great place to get a sense of the region's local history. Living history presentations and antique roadshows are common events sponsored by the museum, as well.

For golfers, a multitude of courses exist in the surrounding areas. Eagle Hills Golf Course, La Vista Falls Golf Course and the Tara Hills Golf Course are just a few examples of local areas where residents can hit the greens.